Radiator won't heat up

alm721

Can anyone help please? We have a radiator that won't work in my sons room. I've tried to bleed it but in runs water out immediatly so I'm sure theres no air trapped. We've had this radiator off when we decorated not sure if this has made a differene (although I can't see why as we took the other one off in his room and that works fine). We've only moved in a few months ago so it's possible it's not worked for a long time. The pipe bringing the water into the the radiator seems very slightly warm and the other is cold,. Whereas for the other radiator the 'feed' pipe is very hot to touch so I'm wondering if its a case of the hot water not getting to the radiator rather then a problem with the radiator itself? If anyone can help I'd be very grateful.
Thanks

bambibashercol

Have you made sure that the rad valves are open?
Is the pipework going into the rad hot?

stevemcol

Check the valve on the 'outlet' side of the radiator. It may have a plastic cover. If so take the cover off and open the valve. You may need a pair of pliers.

andrew-b

As has been said in other threads on this subject, if one of the valves is a TRV remove the head thermostat part (by twisting the collar - may need to use a wrench) and give the pin a sharp tap with a hammer (preferably with a small block of wood between to avoid breaking the pin).

These pins sometimes get stuck if you've left the TRV in the off position all summer.

You should be able to push the pin in and it should pop up again when you let go. If not then that's likely the problem. Replace the TRV head and tighten the collar after.

alm721

Thanks for the replies. The pin in the valve is not sticking. I tried this and it pops up and down ok so I don't think its that.
Going to try the 'outlet' valve in the morning. (I'm assuming that the outlet valve is the opposite end to the valve with the pin in if that makes sense?) The pipe work to the rad is very slightly warm at one side and cold at the other. I'll let you know how I get on.
Thanks

unhappy_with_ecar

We had a similar problem, turned out the thermostat valve on the radiator was faulty and also because it was a big system we hadn't turned the boiler up enough for it to be able to feed all the radiators properly. Fortunately we had a homecare policy with British Gas and they just came out and fixed it

EliteHeat

If you do not have a faulty or closed valve then you probably just have a minor air lock for this particular radiator. To remove it, turn off all other radiators and turn just the heating on, this should clear it. If it doesn't, then try turning the pump up to maximum if you are able to do so with your system

alm721

Just to let you know it was the outlet value that was fully closed. Its working great now, thanks to all who replied.

bambibashercol

Glad you got it sorted.